Embracing a Growth Mindset: A Lifelong Learning Project
We are entering the age of accelerated innovations that will radically transform every aspect of our lives. As the world rapidly changes, our ability to learn and adapt is ever more crucial. The best concept I’ve read about this is the “growth mindset” by Carol Dweck. A growth mindset, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning. The key is learning - it is a lifelong endeavor and embracing it will enable us to thrive in the new age.
Learning is Like a Project
Frame learning as a project. To start a project, you need a clear objective. Similarly, when embarking on a learning journey, you should have a goal or outcome in mind (picking up new skills like public speaking or creating something like a machine learning system). This goal provides direction and serves as a benchmark for progress.
The Learning Curve
Every project has its progression curve. It starts off slow but eventually ramps up, then a highly productive phase, and finally ramps down. This curve is mirrored in the learning process. Initially, you may find it challenging to understand new concepts. However, as you immerse yourself more, you become highly productive in acquiring knowledge, leading to a ramp-down when you have mastered the material.
The Ongoing Nature of Projects and Learning
Despite having an "end date," projects often require ongoing support and adjustments. The same goes for learning. It's a lifelong process that doesn't end when you've mastered a particular subject. The world is always changing, and there are always new things to learn and understand - you’ll find that there are interesting new ways to approach the same problem and even relish in it.
Recognizing What You Don't Know
A key aspect of learning and growth is the ability to recognize what you don't know. This self-awareness is crucial, as it guides your learning process and helps you identify areas for improvement.
It’s key to identify the known unknowns. By knowing what you do not know, you have a clear path of moving forward to fill the gaps in your knowledge.
Seek Knowledge from Others
For me, what always helped is learning from others. I would look for experts in the particular field or problem space and reach out. When you do find those experts, tap into them for mentorship by setting up monthly or biweekly cadences to talk (being mindful of their time). It’s not always a bother because as a learner, the highest aspirations to teach others.
My favorite technique for learning is the Feynman method where you learn by teaching. Mentorship can provide invaluable insights and guidance. By learning from others' experiences, you can avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your learning process.
The Cycle of Learning: Ideate, Try, Experiment, Learn, Iterate
Learning is a dynamic process. It involves ideating, trying, experimenting, learning from the outcomes, and iterating based on feedback. This cycle is repeated continuously, facilitating constant growth and improvement. Once you learn something new, don’t be afraid to try out the new concept. You’ll find it to be quite delightful to test out the new concept and formulate new hypotheses as you progress your learning further.
Embracing a growth mindset turns life into an exciting journey of continuous learning. By viewing learning as a project, understanding the learning curve, recognizing our knowledge gaps, seeking mentorship, and continuously iterating, we can leverage our growth mindset to its fullest potential.